Backstroke facts for kids

Backstroke is a special way of swimming where you lie on your back in the water. It's the only main swimming stroke where you face the sky! This makes it unique because you can breathe easily while you swim.

The first time backstroke was part of a competition at the Olympics was a long time ago. It happened at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

What is Backstroke?

Backstroke is one of the four main swimming styles. The others are freestyle (also called front crawl), breaststroke, and butterfly. In backstroke, you push yourself through the water using your arms and legs. Your body stays mostly flat on the surface.

How to Swim Backstroke

Swimming backstroke involves a few key movements.

Arm Movement

Your arms move in a continuous, opposite motion.

• One arm reaches straight back over your head.
• It enters the water with your pinky finger first.
• Then, you pull the water down towards your hip.
• As one arm finishes its pull, the other arm is starting its reach.
• Your arms should move like windmills, one after the other.

Leg Movement

Your legs do a flutter kick, similar to freestyle.

• Your legs kick up and down from your hips.
• Keep your knees mostly straight, but not locked.
• Your feet should be relaxed and pointed.
• The kick helps to keep your body high in the water.
• It also helps to propel you forward.

Body Position

Keeping the right body position is very important.

• You should lie flat on your back.
• Your ears should be in the water.
• Your hips should be high, close to the surface.
• This helps you glide smoothly through the water.
• Looking straight up at the ceiling or sky helps keep your head still.

History of Backstroke in the Olympics

Backstroke has been an Olympic sport for over 120 years! When it first appeared in 1900, it was a 200-meter race. Over the years, new distances were added. Today, swimmers compete in 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events. There are also medley relays, where backstroke is the first leg.

Why Backstroke is Unique

Backstroke is special because of its face-up position.

• Easy Breathing: You can breathe freely throughout the race. This is different from other strokes where you have to turn your head.
• Different View: Swimmers look up at the sky or ceiling. This can be a bit tricky at first. Swimmers often count strokes or look for flags to know where they are.
• Start from the Water: Unlike other races that start from blocks, backstroke races begin in the water. Swimmers hold onto handles on the wall. They push off the wall when the signal sounds.

A swimmer focuses on the ceiling while doing the backstroke.

Learning Backstroke

Backstroke is a great stroke for beginners.

• It helps you feel comfortable on your back in the water.
• It teaches you good body balance.
• Many swimming lessons start with backstroke basics.
• Practicing the arm and leg movements separately can help.
• Using a kickboard can help you focus on your leg kick.

Backstroke is a fun and important part of swimming. It helps swimmers develop strength and coordination.

Images for kids

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  Gordan Kožulj swimming backstroke at 2008 Euros

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  Backstroke swimming (amateur competition, non-optimal style)

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  Amateur backstroke

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  Backstroke start, waiting for the signal

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  Backstroke start at 2008 Euros.